Description
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars are a decadent no-bake treat combining a crunchy graham cracker crust, a creamy peanut butter layer, and a luscious chocolate topping. Perfectly sweet and satisfying, these bars are easy to make and ideal for any dessert craving or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Layer
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Mix well to blend.
- Add Butter: Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand, indicating even moisture throughout.
- Form the Base: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch square baking pan (or an 8×8-inch pan for thicker bars) creating an even crust layer.
- Chill the Crust: Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the peanut butter layer, ensuring the crust firms up properly.
- Make the Peanut Butter Layer: In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
- Spread Peanut Butter Layer: Evenly spread this peanut butter mixture over the chilled graham cracker crust using a spatula, smoothing out the surface for uniform thickness.
- Melt Chocolate Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and silky smooth.
- Top with Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and use a spatula to spread it evenly into a smooth layer.
- Refrigerate to Set: Place the bars back into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the chocolate layer to set firmly and the bars to become easy to cut.
- Serve: Once set, cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy these rich and delightful bars as a perfect dessert or snack.
Notes
- Use an 8×8-inch pan if you prefer thicker bars.
- Ensure peanut butter and butter are softened for easier mixing.
- Microwave in short intervals to prevent burning the chocolate.
- Bars keep well refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Optionally add a pinch of salt to the peanut butter layer for enhanced flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
